Investigating contributors of the mixed DNA samples by forensic bioinformatics; uncertainty to certainty for crime laboratories

Evidences from the crime scene inculcating mixed DNA profiling data has always been a challenge to the forensic science laboratories and the crime investigation agencies. Not only it confuses the analysis but it may lead to serious fatal errors in analysis of final results which may result in convicting an innocent and quittance of a criminal free. 16 STR markers have become one of the most widely used genomic markers for identity testing and gene mapping due to their high degree of heterozygosity. We introduce forensic bioinformatics approach which proved to be very quick, precise and conclusive in assessment and analysis of the raw DNA profiling data provided from the laboratory. In the present study, we have discussed the utility of forensic bioinformatics application to Short tandem repeat (STR) data in a theft and looting case which was used to evaluate specific regions (loci) within nuclear DNA. The analysis was made through an “MS-Excel database management tool” where the DNA Profiling data provided by the Forensic Laboratory was managed and analyzed on the grounds of the various loci present and their variability in different individuals. We have incorporated the same universal concept “Variability in STR regions can be used to distinguish one DNA profile from another”.